Mehbooba’s uncle resigns as PDP vice-president
Former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) chief minister Mehbooba Mufti’s uncle Sartaj Madni resigned as the vice-president of the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday, which is being seen as an attempt to appease legislators who have openly revolted against her and accused her of “promoting dynastic politics”.
Madni, who is Mehbooba’s maternal uncle, sent his resignation to the PDP president in the morning. “I have submitted my resignation in the interests of the party and its cadres,’’ Madni said.
The PDP’s chief spokesperson Rafi Mir confirmed the news but said, “I don’t know whether it has been accepted or not,’’ Mir added.
Mehbooba was under pressure to revamp the party’s leadership for past many days. PDP sources close to the former CM termed it as the first step towards a reshuffle in the party.
Six legislators had accused Mehbooba of promoting her relatives and turning the PDP into her family fiefdom after the coalition partner BJP withdrew its support and she resigned as the chief minister on June 19.
The rebellion within the PDP is being led by Imran Reza Ansari, a former minister and prominent Shia leader who is the legislator from Pattan. Later, five other legislators joined Ansari and demanded that Mehbooba must remove her relatives from the party.
They pointed out that Mufti’s brother Tasaduq Mufti was brought into the cabinet, Madni was given an important position in the PDP, and other relatives were also given important jobs in the party and government.
Madni was appointed as the PDP’s vice-president last year by Mehbooba after sidelining several top leaders of the party. He lost the assembly election from south Kashmir but was given an important portfolio.
“When Mehbooba Mufti was running the affairs of the state as the CM, it was Madni who was the most powerful person within the party. Even legislators would have to approach him for redressal of grievances,’’ said a party legislator.
Sources said the PDP president is planning to go for further revamp in the party and give important posts to fresh faces after the foundation day rally in Srinagar on Saturday